Outbound Collective logo

Hike the Backbone East from Latigo Canyon

Malibu, California

Details

Distance

3.8 miles

Elevation Gain

780 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Charlie Jasper

A quiet section of trail just a few minutes north of PCH with views generally east and west from the high points. A lot of variety in a short span.

Starting in a dusty, generally empty parking lot, at about 2,000' ASL, you'll go immediately due north, up a few more feet before you drop down into another canyon covered in live oaks (and poison oak), thistles, ferns, and wildflowers.

There's only one trail. It's windy, it's not hilly, it just drops here, climbs there, levels out there, climbs there, levels out, and climbs some more. Because it's an out-and-back, this becomes down, level, down, level, climb. About 1/3 of the trail is solidly in the shade, but if you start early enough, you won't be getting beaten down by the sun.

In the morning, on all but the most hot days, it will be cool. You'll work up a decent sweat, so you may not need a windbreaker during the summer, but during the cooler months, have an extra layer or two just in case.

Oh, bonus: bug-free. No standing water, very little flowing water (all streams would be seasonal, anyway). Minimal bugs. I did almost walk into a spiderweb, though.

Lastly, when you're done, be sure to hit up the Old Place to get the greatest grilled cheese out there. 

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Fitness
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike the Backbone East from Latigo Canyon Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume

Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls

Backbone Trail via Corral Canyon

Jim Morrison Cave

Surf Zuma Beach

Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop